Category: blog

Keeping Mosquitoes out of Your South Florida Home

Zika has become a concern for many Miami area homeowners. The good news is, you probably already have some secret weapons in your home to keep the mosquitoes out and your family safe.

Make Use your AC is Serviced

Zika carrying mosquitoes like to bite during the day time. This is no time to have an AC emergency. Make sure car and home air conditioners are to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes and the Zika virus.

Keeping indoor air cool to keep mosquitoes out

Replace or Install Window Screens

Window screens and screened rooms help mosquitoes from making contact with humans and will help to reduce the spread of Zika.

Screened windows, doors and rooms help keep mosquitoes out of Florida homes

Use Plants to Keep Zika Carrying Mosquitoes Away

Plants naturally detract or attract different species of insects and other pests. Strategically placing plants that repel mosquitoes is a good way to help keep them out. You can freshen up your home in the process. The good news is some of these are easy to keep on hand in a Florida kitchen or patio.

BASIL

Try making a natural mosquito repellent!

Start with seeping basil and hot water as if you were making tea.

1 cup of dried basil

1/2 cup boiling water

If you have a tea ball on hand that can make it easier.

Then Add

a few drops of basil essential oil

1/2 cup of some sort of alcohol (anything that is safe for the skin will work.)

Basil is easy to grow in a Florida garden, patio or even kitchen window with enough sunlight. Just make sure you keep it well harvested.

GARLIC

Crushing or chopping a fresh garlic bulb produces a medicinal compound called allicin that works as a natural mosquito repellent.

Try this:

Blend garlic bulbs with water.

Use the garlic water to water plants to repel mosquitoes.

You can use this garlic water anywhere that you want. The finer that you chop or blend the garlic the more allicin you will produce.

LAVENDER

Lavender grows well in Miami. It does well in the heat and humidity and is easy to grow in pots on a patio. It is also a great mosquito repellent.

If growing your own isn’t your thing, you can purchase lavender products that will work just was well. Lavender lotions and essential oils can work for mosquito repellent.

Using Plants to Enhance Indoor Air Quality

The scientist at NASA discovered in the 1980s that there are several houseplants that can help to purify indoor air. They began studying houseplants as a way to provide clean pure air to astronauts on the space stations.

Here are a list of 5 of the top houseplants to improve your indoor air quality. These plants are inexpensive and widely available in South Florida. The plants will filter out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene and provide you with oxygen at the same time.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is popular because of its healing properties like helping to heal sun burns and cuts. Aloe Vera however, is also a great plant to improve your indoor air quality. It is easy to grow and hard to kill for those who don’t have a green thumb. It helps to keep your home free from benzene which is a common agent in household chemical cleaners and paint.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily reduces level of mold circulating through indoor air. The Peace Lilly absorbs mold through it’s big leaves and then processes it as food. It is an ideal bathroom plant where it

The Peace Lilly is a beautiful plant and can improve your indoor air quality by as much as 60%.

English Ivy

The English Ivy plant can reduce the amount of airborne fecal matter. It can also absorb formaldehyde, commonly found in some household cleaning products, furniture or carpeting treatments. Studies show that keeping an English Ivy plant on your desk will help to give you better focus because it can also absorb trace amounts of benzene which is a chemical commonly found in office equipment.

Spider Plant

This amazing plant can remove up to 90% of the toxins in your indoor air in just two days. The leaves grow quickly and help to absorb harmful substances like mold and other allergens so it is the perfect plant if you have common dust allergies. It also helps to absorb small traces of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The spider plant is a very popular house plant because it is easy to grow and maintain.

Boston Fern

Ferns are readily available in South Florida and the Boston Fern offers both beauty and health benefits. These plants act as humidifiers and can help to restore moisture in the air so they are perfect for those who suffer from dry skin and other cold weather problems. They can also help to eliminate traces of formaldehyde. Remember to keep them in direct sunlight and mist the leaves with water regularly.

High humidity can be one of the most unpleasant climate variables in South Florida. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Outside it indicates the likelihood of rain or fog. The higher the temperature of the air the more moisture it can hold. This makes our sweltering air quite humid.

What Happens When the Humidity Comes Inside Your Home?

High humidity creates idea conditions for pest growth including mold and moths and can rot the structures of your home. Many people have allergies to the organisms that thrive in moist conditions. Reactions include rashes, sneezing or chronic allergies. People often start looking into their indoor humidity when they notice a musty smell or wake up feeling stuffy every day.

Air Conditioning Systems by design reduce humidity in the air. When moist outside air comes in, it passes through a cold evaporator coil. This creates a lower dew point, or temperature that the air will sustain a given amount of water. The excess moisture is released into condensation and colder, dryer air comes into your home.

Even with modern HVAC Systems working at full speed we can find that indoor humidity is a problem. This can surprisingly be more prominent in the winter when the air conditioner is running less.

Here are some things that you can do to reduce indoor humidity.

Keep the air fresh.

Circulate fresh air. Stagnant air creates conditions that lead to mold and other problems. Try to create an environment of good air flow in your home. Turn on some fans to keep air moving throughout your home. Try opening a couple of windows to create a cross breeze.

Check Your Ventilation. Make sure your dryer and oven hood are properly ventilating outside. Clothes dryers can send the moisture from your laundry back into your house if they are not properly ventilated. Check the ventilation above your stove and make sure you are always using the exhaust fan when cooking. Some over-the-range microwaves don’t properly ventilate. They could be installed on the wrong setting to be effective at removing the moisture coming off of the boiling pot on your stove. The best kitchen ventilation is a hood that is installed to take the exhaust out of the house.

Watch the moisture you are adding to the air.

Trim down the long hot showers. Long, hot showers are relaxing but they raise the humidity in your house. If you are trying to control indoor moisture, try shorting your shower, lowering the water temperature or at least keeping the exhaust fan on until your bathroom is completely dry.

Get a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is a great air treatment solution for removing excess moisture from your indoor environment and restoring a healthy humidity level. Dehumidifiers run quietly and can reduce your energy cost by making your air conditioner run more efficiently. They can even make your bread, fruits and vegetables last longer without getting stale.

Check for standing water.

Don’t over water house plants. Standing water in the bottom of planters evaporates back into the air leading to indoor humility. Consider moving plants that need to consume a lot of water outside.

Check the perimeter of your house. Make sure air conditioning drain lines and drip pans are clear and free of debris. Check gutters and downspouts to ensure they are draining properly and not obstructed. Make Sure that rain water is not pooling and sitting around your foundation.

Florida weather is quickly changing from winter to spring. Which means it is the perfect time to Spring Check your HVAC system. Winter storms can wreak havoc on HVAC Systems leaving outdoor components full of debris and indoor components in need of a cleaning. Thankfully, there are a few easy steps that you can take to prepare for spring, prevent breakdowns and improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.

Here are Some Things Your Can Do to Spring Clean Your HVAC System.

Replace The Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s air filter is the first line of defense for cleaning the air that circulates throughout your home or business. A dirty filter decreases the airflow to HVAC components, reducing their efficiency and decreases the overall indoor air quality. This can affect your health and those you love. Get your filter size and run down to your local home store and pick up a replacement. If you are unsure of your filter size or need custom size filters we can help. Simply give us a call at 305-733-2501 or fill out the contact form on our website.

2. Clean The Coils

Winter storms often leave dirt and debris in and around your outdoor Air Conditioning components. This is an easy do-it-yourself project. First, turn the system to the “off’ position. Second, carefully remove any debris that has accumulated around the system or in the metal cage that surrounds the components. Then, use a garden hose to gently wash away any dirt, dust and debris that are on the coils. Keep in mind, if your coils are extremely dirty or if the system is really old and in need of replacement a DIY coil clean may not be recommended and one of our expert technicians can help.

3. Schedule Preventative Maintenance Service

Preventative Maintenance Service is one of the most inexpensive ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and in proper working order. For a few dollars a year your system will get a checkup twice per year and the comfort technician will advise you of any issues. Additionally, having a quality, HVAC professional inspect your HVAC components allows small problems to be addressed and repair before they become a serious, and costly issue.

4. Check Your Central Air Conditioner’s Refrigerant Level

Spring is a good time to have the Freon level of your HVAC system checked and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment. A HVAC expert can ensure that your system’s level is within factory specifications.

5. Check The Condensate Drain

A blocked drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels. A HVAC expert can check the condensate drain pan for proper drainage and clear any blockage.

For more tips and answers to your air conditioning & refrigeration questions our cooling experts are available to assist you right now! Call 305-733-2501 or online.

Posted By 40 Degrees Air & Refrigeration || 12-22-15
It seems like everyone is looking for ways to save energy and since a huge part of your
utility bill comes from your heat and cooling unit, it’s a good place to start when you want
to cut back on your energy usage and save money. We’ve grown accustom to staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter but you don’t have to give up comfort to save
energy. Just a few simple changes to your normal routine can make a big difference on
how much energy your heating and cooling unit consumes.

Buy Quality Filters

You need to change your filters about every two to three months and even more often in
some cases, so when buying filters it may be tempting to buy a cheaper brand than what’s
recommended for your system but that may not be a good idea. If you’re not using quality
filters, they won’t work efficiently and they’ll let many of the containment in that you’re
trying to keep out of your home or business.

Pleated filters are usually the best because they work more efficiently by trapping the dirt
and debris in, which helps to keep the air in your home cleaner. These filters also circulate
air better than the cheaper ones, so they help your system to run more efficiently, using
less energy.

Use a Digital Control Thermostat
Where you set your thermostat makes a big difference in the amount of energy your heat
and cooling unit uses. In fact, even a few degrees can make a big difference in how much
you pay on your electric bill. It’s recommended that you set your thermostat between 68-
70 degrees in the winter and 78-80 degrees in the summer or as close to these settings as
possible. This is where your unit will be the most energy efficient while maintaining
comfort but if you’re not using a digital thermostat, it will be difficult to know for sure
you’re setting it on the right temperature.

Digital control thermostats allow you to set the temperature exactly where you want it,
so you don’t have to guess. Many of the newer models are also programmable so you can
set the thermostat to change temperatures when you’re not there.
According to energy.gov, you can save as much as 10 percent on your heating and cooling bill a year simply by programming your thermostat to adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep. For example, in the summer you can set it to change automatically to 85 degrees during the day when you’re at work and then program it to go back to 78 or 80 before you return home. This helps you use less energy when no one is around and still maintain a comfortable temperature when you’re home.

Maintain Adequate Ventilation
Did you know that in order for any heat and cooling unit to work properly, it has to have
proper ventilation? The more air tight your home or business is, the more important it is
to make sure your system has proper ventilation. Poor ventilation will use more energy
and it can also reduce the air quality in your home making it unhealthy to live in.
If you’re having problems with poor ventilation or you want to install a new digital
thermostat, call a professional heating and cooling service to help so you can start saving
more energy while maintaining a comfortable environment.

Posted By 40 Degrees Air & Refrigeration || 12-22-15
It seems like everyone is looking for ways to save energy and since a huge part of your
utility bill comes from your heat and cooling unit, it’s a good place to start when you want
to cut back on your energy usage and save money. We’ve grown accustom to staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter but you don’t have to give up comfort to save
energy. Just a few simple changes to your normal routine can make a big difference on
how much energy your heating and cooling unit consumes.

Buy Quality Filters

You need to change your filters about every two to three months and even more often in
some cases, so when buying filters it may be tempting to buy a cheaper brand than what’s
recommended for your system but that may not be a good idea. If you’re not using quality
filters, they won’t work efficiently and they’ll let many of the containment in that you’re
trying to keep out of your home or business.

Pleated filters are usually the best because they work more efficiently by trapping the dirt
and debris in, which helps to keep the air in your home cleaner. These filters also circulate
air better than the cheaper ones, so they help your system to run more efficiently, using
less energy.

Use a Digital Control Thermostat
Where you set your thermostat makes a big difference in the amount of energy your heat
and cooling unit uses. In fact, even a few degrees can make a big difference in how much
you pay on your electric bill. It’s recommended that you set your thermostat between 68-
70 degrees in the winter and 78-80 degrees in the summer or as close to these settings as
possible. This is where your unit will be the most energy efficient while maintaining
comfort but if you’re not using a digital thermostat, it will be difficult to know for sure
you’re setting it on the right temperature.

Digital control thermostats allow you to set the temperature exactly where you want it,
so you don’t have to guess. Many of the newer models are also programmable so you can
set the thermostat to change temperatures when you’re not there.
According to energy.gov, you can save as much as 10 percent on your heating and cooling bill a year simply by programming your thermostat to adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep. For example, in the summer you can set it to change automatically to 85 degrees during the day when you’re at work and then program it to go back to 78 or 80 before you return home. This helps you use less energy when no one is around and still maintain a comfortable temperature when you’re home.

Maintain Adequate Ventilation
Did you know that in order for any heat and cooling unit to work properly, it has to have
proper ventilation? The more air tight your home or business is, the more important it is
to make sure your system has proper ventilation. Poor ventilation will use more energy
and it can also reduce the air quality in your home making it unhealthy to live in.
If you’re having problems with poor ventilation or you want to install a new digital
thermostat, call a professional heating and cooling service to help so you can start saving
more energy while maintaining a comfortable environment.

Dehumidifier + AC = Big Savings

A dehumidifier removes excessive moisture from your home and balances the humidity level. Central air conditioners remove humidity from your home while they are running but sometimes that isn’t enough. Air conditioners only run while they are needed to regulate the temperature to the desired level. The humidity can be higher than desired while the temperature is just right. This is where a dehumidifier comes in.

“It’s Not the Heat but the Humidity”

This phrase describes the hot, muggy environment caused by excessive moisture in the air. We measure humidity as a percentage of relative humidity. That is the amount of moisture that is in the air compared to the amount the air could hold at the temperature. Near 100% relative humidity, you have condensation and conditions ideal for mold. Near 0% relative humidity your skin, sinuses and eyes will dry out and be uncomfortable. Ideal indoor humidity is between 40-60%. Sometimes in Florida, that means that a dehumidifier will make our homes more comfortable, healthy and help lower electric bills.

Dehumidifiers pull the damp, sticky air in. Then rapidly cool the air, condense the moisture and redistribute the drier, dehumidified air back out using a fan. Basically it separates the water from the air. The water collected either drains into a receptacle contained in the unit or it drains through a hose and into an exterior receptacle such as a floor drain.

Your Air Conditioning system when used in conjunction with a dehumidifier can yield big savings on your energy costs. The dehumidifier reduces how hard your ac has to work and saves money on your electric bill. As an added bonus, you can save again by recycling the water that is collected. You can use it to clean the house, water plants, wash your car, add to pools etc.

Choosing a Dehumidifier

Size Matters. Consider the size of the room the unit will be used in, the size of the unit itself and the capacity of the unit. You need to consider the amount of moisture expected to be collected in 24 hours to determine the appropriate size. This is normally measured in pints. Larger units can dehumidify an area in a shorter amount of time, so if you are between two sizes you might want to consider the larger one. A model with a smaller capacity may run continuously and still not lower the humidity to proper levels.

Here is a guide to chose the right size for your space.

Dehumidifier Recommended Size Based on Conditions and Sq Ft

Water Storage Capacity vs Continuous Drainage: Almost all types have storage tanks for the collected water. Consider that you will have to empty the reservoir more often the smaller that it is, but bigger ones are going to be heavier to lift. Units that drain through a hose can be more convenient but more expensive. With these models you can use a hose to drain outside.

Washable / Removable Air Filter: Units that have washable filters trap airborne dust and particles. If the filter is washable, this makes maintenance a breeze: simply pull out the filter; rinse it with mild soap and water; and put it back.

How Much Should You Pay for a Dehumidifier?

Typical costs are anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. Most people will find that a $100 – $300 portable unit from a home improvement or big-box store will do just fine for balancing the moisture in their home.

Ask your 40 Degrees Air & Refrigeration Conditioning expert during your next service or installation visit how you could benefit from having dehumidifier in your space or call 954.613.5155 for more information.

So the thermostat in your house or office is displaying 99 degrees in the middle of the hot hot South Florida summer. You call an air conditioning company and explain that you’re “burning up” and you need someone to come out right now and get it fixed or give you a new unit. Next thing you know you’re signing the bill for a brand new unit. Sounds familiar?
Well, do you know that there are several options for curing your broken A/C blues? You may have been jacked by those 5 little words “you need a new unit” without exploring your options such as repair or partial replacement.

Beware of HVAC contractors who are eager to sell you a new unit without even thoroughly investigating the issue with your current unit and the possibility for repair. If you’ve explored your options and you indeed need a new unit, here are a few points to consider when deciding on your new air conditioner:

Size Matters

When installing an air conditioner, you need to make sure that it is sized just right. Here’s why:

If it’s too large, its cooling cycles will be too short. Humidity won’t be removed from your home, and the cool air may not reach all of your rooms.

If it’s too small, it will need to run constantly to cool your home on warm days, and your energy bills will skyrocket. On the hottest days, it may not even be able to keep up, and your inside temperature will climb.

If it’s just right, it will provide you with efficient cooling and have the cooling capacity to provide you with an even temperature throughout your home during even the worst summer heat waves.

Always have a HVAC expert visit your home or office to help you figure out what size Air Conditioning system is best for you before you make a final decision. A reputable HVAC technician will size your system using industry standards to arrive at the proper load calculation.

Make Sure all Your “Ducts are in a Row”

A new AC installation isn’t always as simple as just swapping out the old units for the new ones. You also need to make sure the rest of your home is well-equipped to handle your new AC. This is especially important in the duct system. If your new AC has a different cooling capacity than your old one or you’ve always had poor airflow, you may need different sized ducts. In addition, old ducts may need to be replaced anyway because they’ve become very dirty or are leaking heavily.

Efficiency Rating – Pay Now, Save Later

One of the biggest reasons to replace an old air conditioner is to take advantage of efficiency improvements, so you don’t miss out on the chance to cut your energy bill. While options like choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating, installing an advanced thermostat, or choosing a variable speed system may cost a little more, they may be a wise investment. Compare the one-time installation cost with 10 years or longer of energy savings.

Consider Your Indoor Air Quality

When you replace you’re A/C, it’s also a good idea to consider your home’s indoor air quality. It may be a good time to add a ventilation system that will help draw fresh air into your home and pump out polluted indoor air.

If it’s time to look into a new air conditioning installation, the pros at 40 Degrees Air & Refrigeration are here to help make the decision a lot easier for you. Call us today at 954.613.5155 to hear about our current service and installation promotion.

So the thermostat in your house or office is displaying 99 degrees in the middle of the hot hot South Florida summer. You call an air conditioning company and explain that you’re “burning up” and you need someone to come out right now and get it fixed or give you a new unit. Next thing you know you’re signing the bill for a brand new unit. Sounds familiar?
Well, do you know that there are several options for curing your broken A/C blues? You may have been jacked by those 5 little words “you need a new unit” without exploring your options such as repair or partial replacement.

Beware of HVAC contractors who are eager to sell you a new unit without even thoroughly investigating the issue with your current unit and the possibility for repair. If you’ve explored your options and you indeed need a new unit, here are a few points to consider when deciding on your new air conditioner:

Size Matters

When installing an air conditioner, you need to make sure that it is sized just right. Here’s why:

If it’s too large, its cooling cycles will be too short. Humidity won’t be removed from your home, and the cool air may not reach all of your rooms.

If it’s too small, it will need to run constantly to cool your home on warm days, and your energy bills will skyrocket. On the hottest days, it may not even be able to keep up, and your inside temperature will climb.

If it’s just right, it will provide you with efficient cooling and have the cooling capacity to provide you with an even temperature throughout your home during even the worst summer heat waves.

Always have a HVAC expert visit your home or office to help you figure out what size Air Conditioning system is best for you before you make a final decision. A reputable HVAC technician will size your system using industry standards to arrive at the proper load calculation.

Make Sure all Your “Ducts are in a Row”

A new AC installation isn’t always as simple as just swapping out the old units for the new ones. You also need to make sure the rest of your home is well-equipped to handle your new AC. This is especially important in the duct system. If your new AC has a different cooling capacity than your old one or you’ve always had poor airflow, you may need different sized ducts. In addition, old ducts may need to be replaced anyway because they’ve become very dirty or are leaking heavily.

Efficiency Rating – Pay Now, Save Later

One of the biggest reasons to replace an old air conditioner is to take advantage of efficiency improvements, so you don’t miss out on the chance to cut your energy bill. While options like choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating, installing an advanced thermostat, or choosing a variable speed system may cost a little more, they may be a wise investment. Compare the one-time installation cost with 10 years or longer of energy savings.

Consider Your Indoor Air Quality

When you replace you’re A/C, it’s also a good idea to consider your home’s indoor air quality. It may be a good time to add a ventilation system that will help draw fresh air into your home and pump out polluted indoor air.

If it’s time to look into a new air conditioning installation, the pros at 40 Degrees Air & Refrigeration are here to help make the decision a lot easier for you. Call us today at 954.613.5155 to hear about our current service and installation promotion.

A dehumidifier is a great air treatment solution for removing uncomfortable excess moisture from your indoor environment and restoring a healthy humidity level. However, dehumidifiers are often overlooked as solutions because many people, for example, don’t understand how they function or are not aware of the many benefits they offer.

Believe it or not, they are a lot less expensive than you may have thought and range in pricing from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars depending on the type you get.

Have you heard the phrase, “it’s not so much the heat but the humidity that makes you uncomfortable?” This phrase describes the hot, muggy environment that results when there is excess humidity in your space. Although most window air conditioners, portable air conditioners and central air conditioning systems remove some excess moisture from your indoor environment, sometimes it isn’t enough. If you notice condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, mold, or musty scents, you probably have a humidity problem. If these problems are ignored, structural damage to your home and its contents, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues may arise.

A dehumidifier can help you correct the moisture problem in your home. These appliances are designed to pull damp, sticky air into the unit, rapidly cool it and condense the moisture, and redistribute the drier, dehumidified air back into your environment using a fan. Depending on your needs and the dehumidifier model you are using, the collected water either drains into a water collection receptacle contained in the dehumidifier or it drains through a hose and into an exterior receptacle (i.e., a floor drain) using simple gravity.

Your Air Conditioning system when used in conjunction with a dehumidifier can yield big savings on your energy costs. In addition to these cooling costs reduction, there are creative ways to save in other areas by using/recycling the water collected from the dehumidifier’s collection receptacle. The water can be used to water plants, wash household items, add to pools, wash vehicles etc.

How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier for You:

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a dehumidifier. Consider the size of the space the unit will be used in, the size of the unit itself, dehumidification capacity, and safety features. Below are some additional points to consider when choosing your unit:

Storage Tank Capacity: Almost all types have storage tanks for the collected water. If you’re not planning to purchase a model with a continuous drainage port, you’ll have to empty the tank periodically.

Continuous Drainage: Models with a continuous drainage port eliminate the hassle of emptying a collection container. Simply attach a hose to the dehumidifier and the moisture will drain out through the hose which can be routed outside into a garden for example.

Washable / Removable Air Filter: Units that have washable filters trap airborne dust and particles. If the filter is washable, this makes maintenance a breeze: simply pull out the filter; rinse it with mild soap and water; and put it back.

Size: The size of a dehumidifying unit is generally based on the amount of moisture extracted from the air in 24 hours. This is usually measured in pints. Purchase a larger capacity model over a smaller one because larger units can dehumidify more area in a shorter amount of time.

A model with a smaller capacity may run continuously and still not lower the humidity to proper levels. The AHAM, or Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, recommends the following size guidelines:

Ask your 40 Degrees Air & Refrigeration Conditioning expert during your next service or installation visit how you could benefit from having dehumidifier in your space or call 954.613.5155 for more information.